It could be argued that the only real reason for living is to see how much you can learn about yourself. Asking effective questions can help to facilitate your development as a human being. A good question is one that provides a useful answer. Poor questions create limitations.

Ask yourself these questions to enhance your development:

1. What is the most important skill I’m lacking? Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Our weaknesses are often responsible for limiting our personal growth and success. There are advantages to being well-rounded.

* You might be great with spreadsheets, but poor at meeting new people. Some of us are very persuasive while others have great creativity.

* What do you feel you’re lacking in your life? Which skill can most help you fill that void?

2. How do I get in my own way? Do you ever sabotage your own efforts? It’s possible to fear success. After all, gaining something often means giving up something else. It’s not easy to examine this part of ourselves, but the benefit is immense.

3. If I could go back in time, what advice would I give my 18-year old self? Hindsight is 20/20, but the mistakes you’ve made in the past are probably still occurring. Think about the choices you think you should’ve made as an 18-year old. They will provide insight into your current situation.

4. What are my greatest strengths? Make a list of your greatest strengths. How can you apply them to your life? Our weaknesses might hold us back, but our strengths can determine how high we can rise. Weaknesses are like a boat anchor while strengths are like the motor.

* Ask your friends and family for their opinions, too.

5. What am I able to control in my life? Worrying about things that are outside of your control is a waste of time. Focus on the aspects you’re able to influence. Apply your thoughts, time, and effort accordingly.

6. What do I want to stand for? How do you want to be thought of at the end of your life? Are you currently living in a manner that supports that vision?

* Think about who you want to be, which could be quite different than what you want to be.

7. If I could accomplish one great thing in my life, what would it be? You probably have several options for your life, and it’s not always easy to choose.

* Think about the one accomplishment that would mean the most to you. Then make a list of realistic steps you can take to achieve it.

8. What is the biggest limit I’ve imposed upon myself? It might be the belief that you’re not smart enough to finish college or socially astute enough to attract a wonderful spouse. There’s a 99.999% chance you haven’t worked hard enough to accurately determine what your limits truly are.

* How can you set yourself free from this limit?

9. Whom or what do I blame for my challenges? Sure, your parents made a lot of mistakes. Maybe your boss is a jerk.

* Regardless of the source of your challenges, it’s your responsibility to deal with them. This knowledge is actually great news because now you see that you don’t have to rely on someone else in order to move forward!

Questions are a useful tool. The answers can give you greater insight and clarity. If you’re feeling lost or frustrated, utilize the power of questions to continue your self-growth journey.